LEGION DOES HAUNTED HALLOWEEN! See page 4
FREE
FRIDAY • OCTOBER 30, 2015
TELLING THE TRUTH FOR OVER 10 YEARS!
VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22
Friday Starts Off With A Bang in Sunland! by
David DeMullé
INSIDE: Halloween at the American Legion!
photo: Dyan McManus
Last Friday, the LAPD, Bomb Squad and the L.A. Fire Department responded to an unknown device at the intersection of Riverwood Drive and Big Tujunga Canyon. The device was discovered while doing a warrant check in the homeless camp. An equestrian team was brought in to locate campers living in the Big-T and bring them back to the staging area. Twenty-one Big-T wash residents were contacted. Of them, 17 were cited for being
The LAPD Bomb Squad robot destroys the explosive device.
in a closed and protected area, and two were arrested for outstanding warrants. Everything was going along peacefully until the explosive device was found—possibly in a camper’s backpack—and the bomb squad was called in. Various rumors spread through the Facebook sites as to what it really was. Only The Foothills Paper was allowed to film the event. In speaking with SLO Cesar Contrares and Community Relations Officer Sgt. Herrold Egger, the device was thought to be a modified M-100 see Bang, page 9
Another Body Found in S-T David DeMullé
Chef Randy........................... 5
the canyon wash. There are many versions as to what The body of a second womhappened and LAPD homicide an was found under mysteriis looking into all the different ous circumstances. Both bodreports. What is known is that ies were left in remote areas a woman, Julia M., lived in where they were ignored until La Crescenta with her two the smell was so strong that children and had friends living passersby called the police. in the Big Tujunga Canyon The first victim, Lucinda wash. Williams, was found under a On the possible night of her storm drain culvert near the in- death, witnesses stated that tersection of Tujunga Canyon there were altercations with Place and Foothill Boulevard different people spanning a near McDonalds. The cause 12-hour period of time. The The overgrown area where the body was found. of death is being investigated date and time of death have by Assistant Chief Coroner Ed not yet been ascertained and rests pertaining to these deaths causes over the past three Winters. “The body was in a the coroner’s office is still or missing person reports. years in the Big Tujunga wash severe state of decomposition listing the cause of death as “What happens in the Big-T and although the LAPD tries and it will take time to do the “deferred” because the results remains in the Big-T” seems to do its best in determining autopsy and toxicology report,” of the autopsy and toxicology to be the motto of those living what really happened and he said. reports have not been finalized. make the appropriate response, there. Recently there has been In the second case, a There have been more than to date there have been no arwoman’s body was found in six deaths of undetermined see Death, page 9
Pets Page............................. 6
All these stories and more can be seen at:
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4
Chef Randy’s New Book: Ojai Valley Vegan Cookbook ............
12
DEPARTMENTS What Folks Are Doing........... 2 My Two Cents....................... 2 View from the Rock.............. 3 Letters and Perspectives........ 3
S-T Crime Stats................... 10 Take My Card..................... 11
by
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2 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Several local residents made the academic Deans’ List at Azusa Pacific University. These students are honored for a spring 2015 grade-point average of 3.5 or better. They are joined by 1,880 students receiving the same honor: Andrew Baxter of Shadow Hills (91040) Vanessa Brooks of Sunland (91040) Da Cheong of Tujunga (91042) Sophia Cowell of Shadow Hills (91040) Jonah Kang of Tujunga (91042) Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher educa-
tion. With 71 bachelors degrees, 47 master’s degrees 18 certificates, 14 credentials, eight doctoral programs, and three associate’s degrees, the university offers its more than 10,700 students a quality education on campus, online, and at six regional centers throughout Southern California. •••
and world traveler, returns to present his latest Sierra Club experience. Though he has given programs about previous China adventures, this evening promises a view of different towns and customs and new exciting views of that vast country. Our program begins following news of conservation and outings. This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Wayne Fisher, program chair, at (818) 3534181 for more information. •••
“China” Presented at Crescenta Valley Sierra Club’s Meeting Annual “Antiques The Crescenta Valley Sierra and Collectibles” Club Group has scheduled Bruce Hale’s “China” at La Crescenta for Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m., at the La Crescenta Woman’s Club Los Angeles County Public Library, located at 2809 Foothill Boulevard, La Crescenta, California 91214. Hale, a Sierra Club member
The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is proudly presenting their annual ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES event. The event
will be on Saturday, November 14th, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is FREE and the event promises to be packed with vendors selling their antique items and collectibles. Anyone who has an item or items at home that they would like to have appraised by Crown City Antiques can bring them in and for $5.00 each, can find out the value. This is a great way to find out if grandpa’s old watch or picture is really a treasure or just a wonderful remembrance. The clubhouse is located at 4004 La Crescenta Avenue. If you are interested in renting a space to display and sell some items or want to schedule an appraisal time, please contact Debbie at (818) 957-1951. The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is a volunteer-non profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the community through scholarships and other philanthropic donations. •••
Old Backdoor Bakery Building Reconstruction After a year and a half, the property owner of the Backdoor Bakery property has finally received his permits and the re-construction has begun. Corner of Newhome and Foothill Boulevard.
photos: Dyan McManus
S-T Students Make Deans’ List at Azusa Pacific University
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22
My Two Cents Bribery in the Workplace I read an article in USA Today that said the key to happiness at work is free snacks. It went on to say that snacks may even lure employees to new companies since job candidates would weigh free food as a company perk. Employees say snacks foster a more collaborative atmosphere. Employees are always happy when a coworker brings in donuts. Workers are always happy to have a slice of free cake for Susie’s birthday. Workers are happy for a slice of free cake for Harry’s retirement party and the fact that Harry’s retiring as he was cheap and never shared his snacks. Goodbye, Harry. Workers are happy when a coworker puts out a candy dish with plain and peanut M&Ms. You pass by one coworker’s desk and swipe an M&M. You pass by another coworker’s desk and swipe a peanut. I don’t know
how good all this snacking is for the waistline, but it’s good for morale. Employees who snack are content and content employees are productive employees. Productive employees make for a happy employer; an employer, who wants to keep the cycle going and therefore, keeps the donuts coming. The donut is the bribe that keeps productivity flowing. Why, even parents bribe their children. When my son was young he had to have a hearing test to determine if all the ear infections he had caused any hearing loss. He did not cooperate for the first test and the results were inadmissible. For the second test I decided to bribe him with his favorite snack: gummies. I promised him if he followed instructions and did what he was supposed to do, he would get a bag of gummies. He looked at me with wide eyes and asked,
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Wishing you a spooktacular Halloween! Happy Halloween from Harmony Farms 818-248-3068
see Bribery, page 9
Cindy Argiento is a freelance columnist. To check out her book and laugh along at her other works, go to cindyargiento.com. She may be contacted via cargiento@aol.com.
For the absolute best steak this Halloween, get Harmony Farms’
Australian “Kobe-style” Wagyu Beef!
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 — 3
VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
There are too many bodies lying around Sunland-Tujunga.
And it’s nothing new. Years ago I had a meeting with then-Division 16 station Commander Captain Symanski when I brought in photos of homeless people who had been beat up by wandering wanna-be gangbangers. After bringing in the Senior Lead Officers and Sargent Herrold Egger to view the photos, he looked at me and said “This won’t ever happen on my watch!” And it didn’t—for about year. He was transferred out. And then things took a turn in a different direction. The local homeless began to be attacked by other unidentified people. The difference now was that the attackers were white adults. The assaults declined in number, but then a new phenomenon came on the scene. The homeless were now attacking each other and doing really stupid things like getting so drunk that they got hit by cars or fell out of freeway overpasses. Except for a few, most of them survived. And then Slinky fell out of the 210 overpass at Wheatland, killing himself. The abuse of booze
and drugs began to take its toll on the homeless in Sunland Park, and they began to die off. But it was manageable; they didn’t hurt anyone except themselves. That is, until they began setting fire to their camps and themselves in the Big-T. That got people’s attention. The regular “campers” knew how to take care of themselves and their camp, but they couldn’t stop those who had mental problems. Those setting fires had the kind of mental problems that didn’t make them a “51-50,” yet they were a danger to those around them. Timmy accidently set fire to himself and the arundo surrounding his camp. He died. Then the tide began to turn against the homeless. People started taking pictures of the homeless and posting them on Facebook. Then people started advocating using sling-shots called “wrist rockets” to shoot the homeless with broken glass marbles. Vigilante groups began forming on the local Facebook sites advocating violence and physical attacks against the homeless. The social media became a vortex of hate. Sites like To-
mi-Lyn Bowling’s “Sunland-Tujunga Independent” thrived with hate mongers. Michele Van Duzen’s “Newsfeed” site harbored the most hardcore haters. And the homeless came under attack again. One woman was even sprayed with Wasp Killer. It all went to hell. The LAPD couldn’t cope with all the calls and complaints from both the S-T residents and the homeless. So they just tried to do the best they could with the manpower they had available. Things calmed down for a while — until this month. This month we have three dead people who didn’t have to become a statistic. It’s about time for us to get on the phone and demand that our councilman Fuentes make it a priority to contain the mentally challenged on both sides and be the first one to actually make a difference here. It’s about time that our neighborhood council got off their asses and create a plan to help the local businesses and residents deal with the homeless. Together we can make a difference in our community, but we all have to work together and stop all
VIEW
ROCK this infighting. Our streets are becoming full of campers that were driven from the Big-T, and it’s time for the city to create a place for them to put up their tents and bedrolls. Either that, or you’re going to find them in your front yard because there isn’t any other place for them to go. The city of L.A. has totally dropped the ball and more than 30,000 homeless are living on its streets. It can happen here, and it’s already started. We can do something to make our community safe for everyone. We can if we really want to. And no, you can’t say: It’s the water!
The Foothills Letters & Perspectives
RIP “Slim” Jim Ballard THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
is published bi-weekly. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. All submissions to this newspaper become property of THE FOOTHILLS PAPER and may not be republished in whole or in part. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily express the views of the publisher nor staff of this newspaper. TFP is available free of charge. No person may, without prior written permission from TFP, take more than one copy of each edition (stated value: $1). Only authorized TFP distributors may distribute THE FOOTHILLS PAPER. THE FOOTHILLS PAPER is a nonprofit newspaper produced by the OSS-Spectrum group.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Dr. David DeMullé
editor@thefoothillspaper.com TECHNICAL EDITOR Randall Fleming ftp@thepaper.ws WITH THANKS TO The ILS Foundation for Their Support
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER TheFoothillsPaper.COM P.O. Box 444, Tujunga CA 91043 818-951-0943
L.A. Press Club Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles International Combat Camera Association
Dear Editor, I hate to sound like I don’t care about people’s lives because I do—but I also care about the drivers who by no fault of their own kill a person because that person chose to jay-walk on a busy street. I don’t know the whole story but by the sound of the article in the paper—since
there was no mention of a cross walk—James Ballard was killed while he was jaywalking. There is no marked or unmarked crossing at that area between the park and the strip mall where the 7-11 and Giamela’s are located; however, the marked crosswalk at the signal is a very short distance that he should have walked to before crossing. Whether or not the driver was going too fast I have no
idea, and I know many people drive too fast on Foothill and Sunland Boulevard. I also know the amount of people jay-walking has increased, I would say, one hundred percent over the last year alone. I have had to stop in midtraffic for fools crossing in that area where there is no marked or unmarked crosswalk. Luckily, the person behind me has been able to stop in time also. But who knows what will happen the
next time someone is too lazy to walk to the official crossing spot. People have to remember: pedestrians DON’T always have the right-of-way! If James was jay-walking I feel for the driver of the car who now has to live with themselves the rest of their life because someone chose to break the law. •••
Pati Potter
Policing the Foothills by Jon von Gunten STNC Rep to LAPD Neighborhood Watch
The Neighborhood Watch meeting of October 20, 2015, revealed the frustrating web of factors that baffle local residents and LAPD’s Foothill Division. Hearing good news and bad, we aired problems that nearby incorporated communities such as Glendale and Burbank do not suffer. Nearly 40 attendees learned about LAPD’s efforts, difficulties and progress. Yet one resident stormed out, too infuriated to believe an officer’s sincere, on-the-spot offers of help. She said her anger stemmed from other agencies and Council District 7 repeatedly failing to rid her family of a purported “heroin addict” living in a City-owned easement through their property.
Guest speaker Lt. Dino Caldera, our new-to-Foothill Division Day Watch Commander, laid out the pros and cons of covering Foothill’s 50 square miles. Senior Lead Officers Cesar Contreras (Sunland) and Andy Marr (shortly leaving as Tujunga’s SLO) responded to questions and offered advice. Coming from Olympic Division, Caldera has worked here six months. Those present also mentioned speeding cars, motorcycles and go-carts. Other local complaints include youth smashing beer bottles in streets after drinking at the tops of cul-de-sacs. Park Rangers have shut off equestrian water at newly christened Oro Vista Park after transients broke a flimsy handle, releasing a stream of water. Homeless remain entrenched at the Chevron station near Haines Canyon.
Real-World Barriers to Better Enforcement - Crime is slightly higher citywide and in the foothills. Foothill’s upticks are primarily in theft from vehicles, home burglaries, and vehicle theft. - Only one in 300 applicants graduate LA Police Academy. Obstacles include thorough background checks, tough classes and physical fitness demands. - LAPD brass have commandeered several Foothill officers away to the Metro Division, a quick-response team sent to city trouble spots. - When a car responds “Code 3” — lights and sirens — arrival at the farthest corners of our area may take 15 minutes. - Police may let slide minor “arrestable” offenses by a transient because transient arrests pull officers off patrols and emergency response for the
four hours needed to process transients’ belongings and animals. Homeless know this. - Officer safety suffers when staffing is low. Unless human life is at risk, should a lone officer pursue suspects into a dark building at night? Officers may wait 15 to 25 minutes for backup while criminals escape out the back. Keep Reading! There’s Good News! - We heartily welcome Tujunga’s new SLO Gloria Caloca. She brings her strong backgrounds in youth gang and drug prevention! - We thank SLO Andy Marr for his eager participation as Tujunga’s temporary SLO and for his and the cadets’ help in STNC’s clean-up campaign. - Foothill will soon regain two officers and a sergeant. - LAPD recruiting is ongoing see LAPD, page 10
4 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22
Attention All Veterans,
Sons, Daughters and Wives of Veterans
Come and Enjoy your local American Legion Post Help support Veterans and Veterans’ Causes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EVERY SUNDAY: SPECIAL DRINK SERVED W/ A LIGHT LUNCH
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
October 31 Haunted House
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, November 1
Post Breakfast 9 am - Noon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, November 1 Meeting Day
12:30: Sons • 1pm: Legion • 2pm: Auxiliary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Karaoke Night
Saturday, November, 14, 8pm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 15 Pie Order Deadline ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 21, 7pm Thanksgiving Dinner by Bob Smith and the Sons
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
American Legion Post 377
10039 Pinewood Avenue, Tujunga
(818) 353-9856 Events open to the Public
Canteen Hours - 7 days a week, 2- 10 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For Hall Rental, call Commander Dan at
(818) 521-1137
Haunted House Turn Your Clocks Back October 31
Haunted House October 31st FREE! 7:00 -EVERY 10:00 pm. SPECIAL DRINK SUNDAY SERVED WITH A LIGHT LUNCH
FUN TIME WITH GINO FERONE & SUZY MULLIN
Sunday, November 1 Post Breakfast 9 am - Noon Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Bacon, Eggs, Pancakes
Sunday, November 1 Meeting Day 12:30 - Sons
1pm - Legion 2pm - Auxiliary
Monday Night Football KARAOKE NIGHT
Saturday, November, 14, 8pm November 15 Pie Order Deadline November 21, 7pm
Thanksgiving Dinner by Bob Smith and the Sons Many Thanks to Doc and the Foothill Paper for •his coveragePinewood of Casino Night and our Legion Events American Legion Post 377 10039 Ave., Tujunga
Healing Thoughts and Prayers
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 — 5
VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Eggplant ParmigianoReggiano Recipe by
Chef Randy
When I served this eggplant dish the other night our friends asked, “What’s the difference between Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese?” I replied by saying, “Well, they’re kinda the same thing but different.” Looking perplexed, Lol asked, “How can they be the same thing yet different?” It’s no wonder that he’s a successful trial attorney. This is what I told our dinner guests while they ate with gusto. Parmigiano is an alternative and more authentic spelling for Parmesan but it is much more than that. Parmigiano refers to the province of Parma where the production of Parmigiano cheeses are strictly controlled by Italian law. In 1934, cheese producers in both the Parma and Reggio- Emilia provinces joined forces with producers in the Modena and Mantua provinces to form an association called the Consorzio del Grana Tipico. Cheese producers from the province of Bologna later joined the group. In 1954, they renamed their group the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano. Hence the name Parmigiano- Reggiano. My eggplant recipe fea-
SPEAKING
tures properly cooked, but not squishy, rounds of eggplant with a crisp crust, authentic Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and an aromatic tomato sauce. It is melt-inyour- mouth good. No more need be said. Ingredients: 3 medium eggplants (cut crosswise into ¼-inch-thick rounds) 3 ¼ teaspoons salt 5 pounds fresh plum tomatoes 1 ½ cups plus 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 large garlic cloves (chopped fine) 20 fresh basil leaves (tear in half) ¾ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup flour 5 large eggs 3 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs 2/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (finely grated) 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella (thinly sliced) Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss eggplant with 2 teaspoons salt in a colander set over a bowl. Let it drain out
Artfully
b
y
R
i
c
k
R
o
t
The Gallery System excess moisture – about 30 minutes. While eggplant drains, cut a small “X” in bottom of each tomato with a sharp paring knife and blanch them in a 5-quart pot of boiling water for 1 minute. Make sure the water is boiling before adding tomatoes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer tomatoes to a cutting board and, when cool enough to handle, peel off skin beginning from scored end. Coarsely chop tomatoes, then purée in batches in a blender. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and sauté, stirring, until golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomato purée, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened – about 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside.
See Chef Randy’s food blog for more recipes at
http://valley-vegetarian.com
I’ve always felt that you suspect in others what you yourself are guilty of. If you are a liar and a cheat, you suspect everyone to be a liar and a cheat. If you are deceitful, you expect everyone you deal with will be deceitful. It makes perfect common sense to me. All any artist wants from a gallery is to be genuinely treated with fairness. I don’t know of one artist who has said to me that their only reason for seeking a gallery was to cheat them. Once, artist’s needed galleries to show their work. This is changing and the suspicion from galleries is that artists are out to cheat them of their “deserved rewards.” Where is it written that any galley should take a higher percentage of the sale? I understand a gallery has overhead. But so do artist. Actually the artist’s investment is greater than the galleries investment. Both have rent/mortgage, phone, utilities. I won’t list the costs artists pay in fees, shipping, and transportation. Paint and supply costs alone have skyrocketed with more people making art. Material costs balance out in the end. But, emotional cost is greater for the artist. It’s the artist that is on the line, not the gallery. The nature of the gallery system is that galleries believe they are entitled to more because they have availability to “money people”, which entitles them to a greater share of the profits. But without artwork to sell, there would be no need for patrons. Galleries are an invention of those who
a
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e
believed they could sell artwork which would give artists freedom to paint. But gallery owners use this as an opportunity to tip the scales. Traditionally, artists are notoriously bad with business or were just not adept at business or busy making art to conduct business. So galleries started setting the rules, in their favor, and sowed the seeds for their eventual diminished importance. Artists also were too willing to agree to “the gallery system.” Today, artists have website, galleries have become suspicious and mistrustful that artists will make their own sales. And, in all fairness, some artists are probably thinking of ways around the gallery. When I was a child, my mother taught me to be true and honest and treat everyone fairly. When I became an adult, she told me a different story. I am reminded of her teaching and she, with a clear voice said, “the advice I gave was for when you were a child.” Today artists have alternatives and they are exercising them more. In the end what galleries have to realize is there are more potential buyers surfing the net than are visiting physical galleries. Buyers also know they can get a better price without paying for gallery overhead. As a post script, galleries still exist today and will in the future. Some are run honestly. Do your research when choosing your gallery. It’s your artwork. Take pride in it and don’t sell it short.
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6 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22
Haggen’s Pharmacy Customer: Contact Arianna Pharmacy for an easy transfer of your prescriptions
to avoid any interruption in receiving your medications.
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 — 7
VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Foothills Pet Page Holiday Travel With Pets Laura Boswell
Check with your airline directly; policies differ on With so many regulations, weight, season, breeds and fees and safety hazards, it’s more. “ruff” keeping track of pet In-cabin crates can be travel policies these days, hard or soft-sided but should especially during the busy still be durable, fit beneath holidays. Your poodle can fly the seat in front of you and as Delta cargo, but not your allow aeration and ability for bulldog. Cats can ride New your pet to stand and turn York subways, but they are comfortably. For “checked” not allowed on Amtrak trains. transport (pet stowed on your A hotel might allow your own plane) or cargo (items/ pet, but only in a smoking pets sent separately), again, room. Still, preparation and consult your airline and use patience will help in your carriers that meet Internapet’s safe passage. Whether tional Air Transport Associayou’re transporting your pet tion (IATA) guidelines. For in the cabin or in the hold, or example: size, labeling and need a hotel for you and your staff access. Also, ask if furry friend, we’ve got tips your airline requires a vet for a safe and easy trip. certificate; you may need clearance within (usually) 10 Research Airline and days of travel so you and all Airport Security Policies pets and passengers are safe TSA controls who and what from illness. gets to the gate, but your For travel with airlines individual airline ultimately such as Delta, United and determines if your pet flies. American Airlines, fees for While United allows online in-cabin pets generally start in-cabin pet bookings, Delta at $125 each way. requires calling. A few other airlines (US Airways, South- Prepare for the Price of Pet west) do not carry “checked” Travel pets — an important point to If you haven’t flown a pet know before you buy a ticket. before, you may be paying by
as much or more than for a human air fare ticket. For travel with airlines such as Delta, United and American Airlines, fees for in-cabin pets generally start at $125 each way, and can be much more for checked pets — not counting the cost of carriers. Also, in-cabin pets are your one carry-on luggage item. Be sure to budget for checking-in or shipping your other bags ahead of time. Book Your Buddy Via a Live Human Being All flights have quotas for animals in cabin, and holidays are crowded. So book pet air travel four to six weeks ahead of time, if possible. You can book holiday pet travel via the Web, but we don’t recommend it. Airline policies differ: While United allows online in-cabin pet bookings, Delta requires calling. A few other airlines (US Airways, Southwest) do not carry “checked” pets, an important point to know before you buy a ticket. So consider using Web sites as resources, then book with a person for pet confirmation.
Third Annual Dog Park Celebration
TFP staffer Dyan had a great time visiting the booths and getting lots of freebies for her dog, Maggie. On Saturday, October 17, we joined the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation for the Third Annual Dog Park Celebration and Resource Fair at the Crescenta Valley Dog Park located at 3901 Dunsmore Ave in La Crescenta. It’s the first L.A. County-owned and maintained dog park! The event was free and pets and owners had a chance to win prizes, do dog obstacle courses and get wonderful free gifts from the sponsors there while watching a pre-teen cheer leading team. This was one fun place to go to see old friends and make new ones while watching
demonstrations by dog trainers, visiting an adoption event by the Pasadena Humane Society and visit an L.A. County Sheriff’s K-9 unit with an information booth. There were booths from every kind of vendor possible: raw natural meats from Harmony Farms, specially packaged natural foods from Anderson’s Pet Store and the Button Nose Pet Supply House that specializes in all natural foods. There were dogs of every “make and model” parading, tugging at leashes and getting free treats from the vendor booths there. Don’t miss the next one.
8 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22
I’m Even More Pathetic Than You Are by
Jim Laris
I know many of you see me as a pathetic excuse for a columnist, and as a pathetic excuse for a human being, and incredibly, as a pathetic excuse for a lanky person. And yes, many years ago, an artist did ask me to pose for a painting he was going to call “Pathetic Guy.” And I asked him if I had to be nude, and he said, “You’re pathetic.” I don’t have time to go into all the reasons why I possibly may be pathetic. Let me just give you the most recent one. I have become a Costco addict. No, no, there’s nothing wrong with Costco. They’re a great store. Great prices. Efficient. All that. And I don’t feel as if I am an addict because I go there a lot. I am getting ahead of myself a little here. Before I reveal the true depths of my patheticism, I do have to admit that I love shopping at Costco. The last time I was there, I bought a year’s supply of soap. Yup, I got a giant package of 36 bars of Irish Spring. I calculated that I should be relatively
clean through August 2016. (And that’s taking into consideration that I will use some of the bars as stocking stuffers.) And while I was there, of course, I just had to get the 48-unit box of Five-Hour Energy Bottles. I figure I can now drive nonstop across the country four times without ever having to stop at a motel. I’m just going to slug that stuff down and floor it, baby. My eyelids may never close again. I’m getting bug-eyed hyper just thinking about all that Five-Hour fuel pumping through me. I want to take an exam or something. I want to watch a Three Stooges movie marathon. I want to sell my bed. That Berry flavor rocks. Another time I was there I got an industrial-size package of tubes of toothpaste that had flaws in the tubes. Now every time I brush my teeth, I squeeze the tube and the toothpaste oozes out of one of the sides of the tube, and usually it gets all over my fingers, but that is the price I have to pay for being such a savvy shopper and all-around wonderful person.
No, I am not to the guy and he suggested a pathetic part yet. A few reinforced rack of ribs that months ago I was in Costco looked about the size of a and I needed two AAA Mini Cooper. I told him I batteries. So they were just was only having four people happening to have this sale over. He said, “Hey, that’s on this special shipment of only 14 ribs each.” batteries that they just got in, And once I just glanced so yes, I bought $114 worth over at the fish section, and of batteries. Hey, I couldn’t I saw these huge crab claws, pass that up. And yes, I did and I know they were still need a truss and a handcart alive. They were moving to get the batteries up to the and they had broken through counter. And yes, I now anthe cellophane wrapper, and noy strangers by walking up they were crawling down to them and asking them if over the crushed ice. And they need a battery for their they were laughing. I still flashlight. Many of them have nightmares. don’t even have flashlights. OK, the pathetic part. I’ll I’m retired. I have the say it fast. I now go to Costtime. co when I don’t know what As you can see, the above I am going to buy! I do not examples have all been need anything. I’m pretty positive examples of shopwell stocked up on Costco ping at Costco. But, because crap. I have unopened I am what? And because packages of stuff I bought I compare this quality to last year. But I’m sitting what unit of time? Because there at the end of the couch, I am as honest as the day is and I say to myself, “Hey long, I have to tell you about Jerk Lips, wanna go buy a a couple of failed Costco large quantity of something? adventures. Wanna go get something that First, I do not have the we don’t even know what courage to buy something it is yet?” And damned if from their meat and fish Jerk Lips doesn’t say, “Sure. counter. I was having a Can’t dance.” barbeque last summer and So, Jerk Lips and I went I walked up to the butcher the other day to see if we
Ralphs to Carry New HemisFares Brand of International Products Ralphs Grocery Company is pleased to announce that its stores will carry a new line of corporate brand products, imported directly from the most food-rich regions of the world. Ralphs parent company, The Kroger Co, developed the new brand called HemisFares™. HemisFares is a guided tour of the best-of-the-best tastes the planet has to offer – found exclusively at the Kroger family of stores, including Ralphs stores in Southern California. Kroger introduced the brand with 27 authentic Italian products currently on shelves in Ralphs stores, and plans to add more products and countries soon. “Just like American barbeque can mean many different flavors: spicy, smoky, more of a vinegar base, Italian food changes considerably as you travel across the country,” said Gil Phipps, Kroger vice president of Corporate Brands. “Imagine landing in Italy and getting an in-depth, guided tour from village to village, experiencing the single best example of the most beloved foods from each region. Our goal with HemisFares is to bring only the best food finds to our customers.” Kroger is working side-by-side with the best food connoisseurs, some with decades of experience, to identify the most delectable, regional culinary treasures from around the world.
Jim Laris is Jim Laris. could find something we didn’t need or didn’t even know existed. And hang on to your shorts, Aunt Martha, we found it! It just called out to us. From the liquor department. Lips and I were just ambling around and there it was. A five-foot tall bottle of Jose Cuervo in the shape of Pancho Villa with a big-ass sombrero on. It was just so cool I could hardly stand it. Five feet of booze. With a hat on. And only $149! Jim can be contacted at jimlaris@mac.com
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Joan Carol Jura
August 18, 1929September 8, 2015 Surrounded by her family, Joan Carol Jura, 86 passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Santa Monica, California, she was a graduate of University High School in Los Angeles. Joan worked as a bookkeeper for McDonnell Douglas and later as a real estate sales associate. An avid traveler, Joan had a zest for life traveling the US and the world with family and friends. After retiring, Joan volunteered as office manager for the Wilkinson Senior Center in Northridge and was active in her church. A long time former resident of Tujunga, Joan is preceded in death by her loving husband, Max of 47 years. Survived by her children, son Michael Jura, daughter Kathy Jura and her granddaughters, Nicole, Katrina and Jordan.
Private services were held at St. John Eudes Catholic Church in Chatsworth, California. Bribery, from pg. 2 “Even though it will ruin my dinner?” “Yep, even though it will ruin your dinner.” Hey, the kid didn’t know it was 10:00 in the morning. He completed the test in 10 seconds flat. He ran from the room to me, held out his hand and demanded, “Give me my gummies.” Oh, it makes a mother proud. The woman employee, who administered the test, shook
Bang, from pg. 1 firecracker wrapped with black tape. But no one was willing to take the chance that it wasn’t something else. The bomb squad covered the device with blast blankets
Death, from pg. 1 an influx of younger transients that have been burglarizing the local residents, and then leaving for other locations to live in. The older campers in the Big-T are afraid to confront them and the residents of Riverwood Ranch are in deathly fear of these non-canyon wise transients causing a wildfire in the arundo growth. “This situation is set to change,” said Sgt. Egger. “We now have the tools and the co-
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 — 9
James Michael Ballard In loving memory of James Michael Ballard, also known to friends as “Slim Jim,” Son of Alan Jerome, Kittie Grace and Stepfather Thomas. Jimmy was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on January 23, 1961. He grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut and attended Saint Theresa’s Parish and Trumbull High School, Class of 1979. After High School he worked as a Journeyman and became an accomplished Tool and Die Maker, working at GE, Sikorsky and Reynolds Industries. In 1985, Jimmy moved to California and became a Key Grip and Special Effects Designer. His training in the Aerospace Tool and Die companies, coupled with his mechanical ingenuity, made him a perfect fit for the film industry. “Slim Jim” loved the filmmaking business and was a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 80. His career took him around the world where he made movies on three continents and the North Pole. He worked for many of the major Hollywood entertainment companies including 20th Century Fox, MGM, Sony Pictures, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Hallmark, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Always thinking of others, Jimmy generously donated his talents to numerous charity projects including special videos made for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the performing arts programs at Providence High School in Burbank, California. Jimmy was a loving Father, Grandfather, Husband, beloved Brother and proud Uncle to many Nieces and Nephews. He was respected as a professional filmmaker and as a genuine friend to anyone who has ever known him. We celebrate His Life, His Smile, His Happy Whistle and the Joy he has brought to so many. Jimmy is survived by his children, Sarah Jane and James; his grandchildren, James Michael and McKenzie Jay; his siblings, Jane, Alan and William “Cool Breeze”; and the loves of his life, Margie and Suzana. He is also remembered by his many friends and relatives who love him dearly. The Celebration of Jimmy’s life will take place at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 133 N 5th Street, Burbank CA 91501, Friday October 23 at 2:30 p.m.
her head in disbelief and commented she’d never seen such a change in a child’s behavior in a weeks’ time and would have sworn he was a different boy. When she inquired what accounted for the change in his behavior, I held up the bag of gummies and said, “Bribery.” Mothers have used bribery since they started having children and now, it seems employers are catching on. Bribery: it works. and sent in the LAPD robot to investigate it. After looking at it through the on-board camera, it was decided to destroy the device in place. The result was a very loud boom when the device was destroyed. operation of the other agencies to move these homeless out of the wash.” He cited Municipal Codes 41.22 and 41.45 which pertain to loitering, sleeping or resting in a riverway. Those campers who wish to receive help can do so and find a safe shelter provided by L.A. Family Services. Those who decide to stay on the other side of the law will be cited and if necessary, arrested. The days of the Wild Wild Wash are going the way of Wild Wild West: away.
WE DO SMOG CHECK, BRAKE & LIGHT INSPECTION, ENGINE DIAGNOSIS AND ELECTRICAL.
10 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Theft 09/18/15 12:15 PM 4100 BLOCK OF ROSEMONT AVE Theft 09/26/15 11:30 PM 7700 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Theft 09/26/15 06:00 PM 00 BLOCK OF OWENS ST AND PLAINVIEW AV Theft 09/28/15 11:05 AM 10400 BLOCK OF SUNLAND BL Burglary 09/30/15 05:00 PM 10400 BLOCK OF SUNLAND BL Theft 10/08/15 08:30 PM 10600 BLOCK OF MCCLEMONT AV Theft 10/08/15 06:30 PM 10600 BLOCK OF HELENDALE AV
Theft 10/09/15 11:30 PM 8500 BLOCK OF WENTWORTH St Theft 10/09/15 01:46 PM 2300 BLOCK OF HENRIETTA AVE
Assault 10/13/15 03:30 PM 7300 BLOCK OF VALMONT ST Theft 10/14/15 06:25 PM 8100 BLOCK OF DAY ST Theft 10/15/15 06:20 PM 7000 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Theft 10/15/15 06:00 PM 9700 BLOCK OF MARCUS LN Burglary 10/15/15 03:50 AM 7000 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Theft 09/28/15 01:30 PM 2900 BLOCK OF FAIRWAY AVE Theft 10/17/15 06:00 PM 10400 BLOCK OF PLAINVIEW AV Burglary 10/17/15 08:30 PM 8200 BLOCK OF GRENOBLE ST Theft 10/18/15 01:00 AM 10000 BLOCK OF PINEWOOD AV Assault 10/18/15 08:30 AM 11100 BLOCK OF PROVENCE LN
Theft 10/10/15 12:00 PM 00 BLOCK OF APPERSON ST AND SCOVILLE ST
Theft 10/18/15 08:40 AM 7500 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 10/11/15 11:45 PM 10900 BLOCK OF ODELL AV
Theft 10/19/15 02:55 PM 7100 BLOCK OF HILLROSE ST
Theft 10/12/15 09:30 PM 9900 BLOCK OF FRANCE AV
Assault 10/19/15 02:02 PM 7700 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Burglary 10/12/15 09:00 AM 7900 BLOCK OF MCGROARTY ST
Theft 10/20/15 05:00 PM 8300 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 10/13/15 06:10 AM 7500 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Burglary 10/20/15 05:30 PM 9300 BLOCK OF HILLROSE ST
Assault 10/13/15 03:00 PM 7300 BLOCK OF VALMONT ST
Theft 10/20/15 10:30 PM 10400 BLOCK OF PLAINVIEW AV
Theft 10/13/15 11:30 PM 7800 BLOCK OF FENWICK ST
Theft 10/20/15 04:00 PM 8000 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 10/13/15 11:00 PM 8000 BLOCK OF MCGROARTY ST
Burglary 10/21/15 11:10 AM 10500 BLOCK OF SHERMAN GROVE
Other Concerns Voiced - Why are the homeless drinkMore News on the Homeless ing in public not cited? (See - It is not illegal to be homeless, Four-Hour Rule above.) unkempt or unbathed. - Why don’t homeless clean up - It is NOT LAPD’s duty to after themselves? (A few have rid us of the homeless; just to been seen to do so.) arrest them when they commit - Are homeless bussed in? crimes. Perhaps a few. LAPD and - A shelter bed is nearly always volunteers reaffirm most of our available—somewhere. But homeless are local people. the transient must take that - Absent transients’ willingness bed wherever it is—and then to accept lodging, rousting abide by shelter rules and homeless from the Wash hours, stay sober, and forsake nudges them onto private crime. These “limitations” properties. More public emotionally deter many from housing—and convincing getting off the street. transients to use it—seem the - Therefore, 80 percent of our only solution. transients are “homeless by choice.” You can help by accurately - It is NOT legal nor safe for notifying LAPD about any private citizens to dispose of significant crime. Insist LAPD a transient’s belongings found write a police report on the on City property. crime. Get its number. More - The five transient shopping police reports help Foothill carts at Little Landers Park Division justify more officers have been removed! here.
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Burglary 10/09/15 12:00 PM 6100 BLOCK OF SISTER ELSIE DR
Assault 10/13/15 09:40 PM 00 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL AND COMMERCE AV B
numbers and thus increase officer safety.
vic
Theft 10/08/15 07:40 PM 7900 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL B
Theft 10/13/15 09:30 AM 10400 BLOCK OF SCOVILLE AV
and current. - Unlike many rougher divisions, Foothill Div. is a popular LAPD assignment with a waiting list of officers wanting to work here. - Upon leaving Tujunga’s SLO post, Off. Marr may transfer to a “homeless car” that will cover all Foothill. Up to four officers are planned for this car. - A new LAPD substation has been established at Monte Vista Mobile Home Estates in Sunland. Since officers may no longer use North Valley City Hall for a break and paperwork, this office will save a 20-minute commute to the station house. C&M Printing on Commerce offered officers additional desk space and phones. - Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPD.com) adds its lobbying power to raise officer
r
Theft 09/16/15 12:00 PM 7500 BLOCK OF ALPINE WY
LAPD, from pg. 3
Ape
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www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 22
Chef Randy Graham Publishes Third Book doesn’t mean my recipes are mundane. They are, in fact, far from it. Look for my harissa-spiced potatoes or my spicy collard greens with basmati rice recipes to see what I mean. Who says vegan food at home has to be ordinary?” The Ojai Valley Vegan Cookbook is available online at Amazon.com. For additional information, see Chef Randy’s Web site at Valley-Vegatarian.com or contact him via e-mail at rgraham33@mac.com for signed copies.
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